Escape plan: Six Flags America

The Hurricane Bay wave pool is a popular way to beat the heat at Six Flags America.

The Hurricane Bay wave pool is a popular way to beat the heat at Six Flags America. (Sun photo by Jerry Jackson)

The Baltimore Sun

It's out with the old and in with the new at Six Flags America this summer.

The waterpark Hurricane Harbor beckons thrill seekers with the opening of a faster, better and wetter attraction — ZoomAzon Falls, the park's first body slides for tweens, teens and adults.

Meanwhile, an old favorite – Skull Mountain – this week begins its countdown to retirement. The part-water flume and part-coaster ride ends its decade-long run on July 10, when it will be dismantled to make way for a new attraction. The park will donate a boat from Skull Mountain to the National Roller Coaster Museum in Texas after the final voyage.

The plan: Starting today, Six Flags visitors will have special photo opportunities for Skull Mountain. A pirate festival goodbye party is planned for July 9-10. After paying your respects to the old ride, head for the new Amazonian-themed water attraction at ZoomAzon Falls. Choose one of four twisting and turning body slides, each enhanced by a waterfall, tropical decor and an authentic jungle soundtrack. The new aquatic adventure is more than a half-mile of splashing fun, but you have to be a minimum 48 inches tall to ride the attraction.

The details: ZoomAzon Falls is open through Sept. 5. Admission prices vary for Six Flags. A 2011 Splash Pass is $54.99 – the same price as a one-day admission — and includes unlimited visits through Labor Day.